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The Magic Word The Magic Word

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740: P.T. Murphy - Big Fish in a Small Pond

This episode hopes to inspire you to dream it, make your dream a reality, then follow your dream. Patrick P.T. Murphy was doing well in Chicago and performed regularly with David Parr in the Chicago Magic Cabaret. But ten years ago the stars aligned which took him three hours away to a tourist destination to Northeastern Illinois where he began performing in a small theater with his own one-man show. Sometimes it’s best to “buck the norm” and become a big fish in a small pond.

If you are more of a visual person, then you will enjoy this video of our conversation recorded via Zoom.

This is the original 1947 black and white version of “Nightmare Alley” which differs a bit from the 2021 and well worth your attention to view.

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P.T. shares some personal stories about his magical life and his brushes with magic celebrities like Bill Malone, Tony Andruzzi, Paul Harris, David Roth, Ricky Jay, Eugene Burger and others. Plus he talks about the magic dealer scene in Chicago. We also talk about making a dramatic change in his life by picking up and moving his family and belongings three hours northeast of Chicago where he has become recognized by Trip Advisor as the top attraction in the small pond of Galena, Illinois.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Stitcher by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here..If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

Nightmare Alley was discussed in this week's episode. To order your copy of the book and also help The Magic Word Podcast with your purchase, please follow this link.

Tagged with P.T. Murphy, Chicago, Galena, Tony Andruzzi, magic theater, David Parr, Chicago Magic Shops, Bruce Bernstein, Eugene Burger, Bill Malone, Ricky Jay, Paul Harris.

February 23, 2023 by Scott Wells.
  • February 23, 2023
  • Scott Wells
  • P.T. Murphy
  • Chicago
  • Galena
  • Tony Andruzzi
  • magic theater
  • David Parr
  • Chicago Magic Shops
  • Bruce Bernstein
  • Eugene Burger
  • Bill Malone
  • Ricky Jay
  • Paul Harris
  • Post a comment
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584: Patrick Thernes - Call Me Sir Pat Trick

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Sir Pat Trick came on the radar of most magicians at the 2013 MAGIC Live! convention when the late Joanie Spina gave a presentation about developing a stage persona. By example, she showed a video of one of her students who had submitted a video then she introduced us to Patrick Thernes who performed a completely different act with a totally new character. The transformation was evident and it led to Patrick achieving his lifelong goal of performing at the Magic Castle.

Patrick Thernes is today a performing magician but not with the same act we saw. He has also scaled back his performances in favor of producing and consulting other magicians and theater owners/producers.

From MAGIC Live! introduced by the late Joanie Spina.

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In this episode, Patrick talks about his work as a classically trained actor and his transformation from his “old” character to his new one. He also reveals some personal information about that new character that has not been told anywhere before.

For more information and to register for this online, virtual convention, please visit: NEMCA.com

For more information and to register for this online, virtual convention, please visit: NEMCA.com

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Stitcher by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here..If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

Tagged with Patrick Thernes, Joanie Spina, MAGIC Live!, Sir Pat Trick.

November 5, 2020 by Scott Wells.
  • November 5, 2020
  • Scott Wells
  • Patrick Thernes
  • Joanie Spina
  • MAGIC Live!
  • Sir Pat Trick
  • 1 Comment
1 Comment
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464: Jonathan Levit - Never Stop Creating

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Jonathan Levit has accomplished so much for his young years. I believe he qualifies for the title of “Renaissance Man” because he not only performs magic, but also is an actor on television and film plus consulting to magicians and actors, television host, website and app developer, and more. He has many revenue streams which is essential to any magician who is looking to be financially successful.

Promotional spot for the seventh season episode "The Amazing Maleeni".with Jonathan Levit and Ricky Jay.

Jonathan Levit performing a version of the memorized magazine. Taken from a performance at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, December 2007
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Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Stitcher by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here..If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

Please support our sponsor to keep The Magic Word FREE to all.

Please support our sponsor to keep The Magic Word FREE to all.

Joshua Jay performs his effect, "Balance" on Masters of Illusion. Not depicted, but Joshua always, always has the objects thoroughly examined before performing this trick. Check out our Magic Store to order yours TODAY!

An original piece of magic that doesn't use CGI or camera tricks.

It was an honor to be on Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Penn & Teller are two of my magic heroes. In case you missed it, it airs again on Friday @ 9:00 PM on the CW.

Click to view the video of Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants

Click to view the video of Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants

Tagged with Magic Castle, magic on television, Jonathan Levit, consulting, Ricky Jay, X Files, Flash Forward, creativity, Burt Wonderstone, Now You See Me.

December 6, 2018 by Scott Wells.
  • December 6, 2018
  • Scott Wells
  • Magic Castle
  • magic on television
  • Jonathan Levit
  • consulting
  • Ricky Jay
  • X Files
  • Flash Forward
  • creativity
  • Burt Wonderstone
  • Now You See Me
  • Post a comment
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The Magic Word The Magic Word

A Podcast for Magicians, About Magicians, Hosted by a Full Time Professional Magician, Scott Wells

This podcast is totally free for everyone to enjoy. This is provided to you out of love and respect for our art of magic. If you enjoy the podcasts and other material on The Magic Word, then your financial support will be greatly appreciated and help offset the monthly hosting service fee as well as the hardware and software to produce this podcast. Just click on the "Donate " button at the top of this page to make a one time donation through PayPal.

You can become a sustaining member by pledging a monthly donation of any amount through "Patreon" and receive some pretty cool perks for membershiip, too. Just Click Here for more information on how you can help.

By donating to The Magic Word, you will become a "Friend of The Magic Word" and receive a certificate (suitable for framing) indicating your membership plus your name will join your other friends and be posted on our "Wall of Fame". If you prefer to order something from the Store, then that will help support The Magic Word, too. Thank you.

  • The Magic Word
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In May 2024, Scott Wells had the distinguished honor of receiving a “Special Fellowship” from the Academy of Magical Arts (The Magic Castle) for the Magic Word Podcast which promotes “not only personal stories of fascinating individuals, but also fellowship amongst our extended family of artists and entertainers everywhere.”

Do you have a comment or suggestion for The Magic Word Podcast? Click on the SpeakPipe logo and leave a short audio message for Scott. It’s fast, easy and fun. Send a “shout out” today and who knows? Your message may be heard on an upcoming podcast!

Tales From The Road 3 One of the popular features each year at Magic At The Beach in Myrtle Beach, is when the talent tells us some of their horror stories from the road. #talesfromtheroad #danadaniels #johnnythompson #bizzaro #codyfisher #charlesbac
Craig Diamond - Around the World in 50 Years - Craig Diamond is a name that may not be familiar to you...yet. That's because has been performing magic on cruise ships since the 1970's. But he is slowing down his cruise ship shows and starting to perf
John Cox - Houdini Master Since 2010, John Cox has found enough material about the legendary magician, Harry Houdini, to fill a daily blog. This week we chat about some of the more important things that John has uncovered over the past year. #houdini
Susan Gerbic - Busting Grief Vampires - Susan Gerbic is a skeptic who debunks those who are self-proclaimed psychics and "feed" on the grief of others like vampires feed on blood. She is a scientific skepticism activist, a columnist for Ske
Enjoy an audible tour through the newest venue for magicians to perform. Also, Marc’s incredible magic props, ephemera costumes, and more from a lifetime of collecting are on display here. This “walk through” is a feast for the ears
Jim Cunningham - The Spirit of Eugene - Jim Cunningham is the voice on the Audible books reading the Eli Marks Mystery series. But is also interested in things that go bump in the night. So naturally, his mentor for producing scary seances was the la
Tony Hassini - Merlin Maker - Creator of the Marvelous Magical Burger King, Tony Hassini is better known as the creator of the International Magicians Society (IMS) and the Merlin Award. #tonyhassini #merlinaward #ims #magicawards #merlin #burgerking
Tales From The Road 3 One of the popular features each year at Magic At The Beach in Myrtle Beach, is when the talent tells us some of their horror stories from the road. #talesfromtheroad #danadaniels #johnnythompson #bizzaro #codyfisher #charlesbac Craig Diamond - Around the World in 50 Years - Craig Diamond is a name that may not be familiar to you...yet. That's because has been performing magic on cruise ships since the 1970's. But he is slowing down his cruise ship shows and starting to perf
John Cox - Houdini Master Since 2010, John Cox has found enough material about the legendary magician, Harry Houdini, to fill a daily blog. This week we chat about some of the more important things that John has uncovered over the past year. #houdini Susan Gerbic - Busting Grief Vampires - Susan Gerbic is a skeptic who debunks those who are self-proclaimed psychics and "feed" on the grief of others like vampires feed on blood. She is a scientific skepticism activist, a columnist for Ske Enjoy an audible tour through the newest venue for magicians to perform. Also, Marc’s incredible magic props, ephemera costumes, and more from a lifetime of collecting are on display here. This “walk through” is a feast for the ears Jim Cunningham - The Spirit of Eugene - Jim Cunningham is the voice on the Audible books reading the Eli Marks Mystery series. But is also interested in things that go bump in the night. So naturally, his mentor for producing scary seances was the la Tony Hassini - Merlin Maker - Creator of the Marvelous Magical Burger King, Tony Hassini is better known as the creator of the International Magicians Society (IMS) and the Merlin Award. #tonyhassini #merlinaward #ims #magicawards #merlin #burgerking

The Magic Word Has been recognized by FeedSpot as the # 1 magician podcast in the world. Thank you all for your support and for listening throughout the years.

The Magic Word Podcast was selected by MillionPodcasts as one of the Top 25 Magician Podcasts on the web. In fact, it is currently listed as the Number 2 magician podcast!

The Magic Word Podcast was nominated for TWO categories in the new ONLINE MAGIC competition at the 2025 World Championship of Magic (FISM) in Turin, Italy. One was for the Best Magic Podcaster and the second for the Best Magic Newsletter. You may already listen, but you are missing out on the other half if you haven’t yet subscribed to our weekly podletter!

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